 |
WIP3OUT
The hat trick of this successful futuristic racing series has something
one would never expect this type of game to have. Besides thrilling
speed and action it has a subtle atmosphere to it, rendering its player
into a slight trance in stead of a screaming frenzy. The fluid graphics,
design and music contribute to this to a large extent. Its "otherworldliness"
mixed with a futuristic-concrete-Hong Kong-feel is wonderful. This game
features 8 new tracks and its high-resolution picture throughout almost
has one melt into the screen. Your racing classes: Vector, Venom
& Rapier and choice of 4 different teams can be taken into a
single race, time trial, tournament or one of two new
modes, Eliminator (where you can pick up to 99 targets) and Challenge.
You have 11 weapons available (2 of them new: the force wall and energy
drain) with which to thwart your competitors. Choosing your viewpoint
will definitely have an effect on your performance. So pick what suits
you best and not what looks best (I know it's tempting to see your hovership
slide sexily around a sharp turn as you slam on your air brake, but
if you fare better with a cockpit view, go with it. The replays are
near-cinematic experiences and will have you tempted to watch each time.
Some of the great songs on this game come from the likes of The
Chemical Brothers, Orbital, Underworld, Propellerheads
and Paul Van Dyk. With WIP3OUT you can single handedly
lose yourself (as you win), or share the experience with a friend, who,
at the time of play, will be your sworn enemy. This is a racing experience
unlike any other.
5 / A
- PB
|
 |
WOODY
WOODPECKER RACING
It seems
as though every old toon (or even new ones) seem to go for the go-kart
option. Is it becasue it's a safe option for success or can't these
guys come up with something fresh? Is there a design template available
with an "insert character here" button? OK, maybe it's not
that bad, but you know what I'm talking about. Which brings us to Woody.
Whatever happened to the cackling peckerwood? - sorry, woodpecker. Well,
evidently he has a PlayStation game seeing as he won't be starring in
any new cartoons. If you're a race fan and don't mind more of the same
with an altered look - go right ahead.
3
/ C
- PB
|
 |
WORMS
PINBALL
I
haven't experienced many pinball games on the PlayStation, but this
one seems as if it held more expectations. Like more tables, for instance.
In stead of a wild 3D spectacular it is a more conventional pinball
layout with various designs (that do look 3D, but doesn't interact like
it - besides the ball flying about, of course. The task at hand takes
the shape of worms missions to be accomplished by hitting specific areas,
spell out words, collect special weapons etc. for extra points. Could
get addictive, but only if you really apply yourself. The gun totin',
big bomb chuckin' worms hit the pinball format with quite a bit of noise,
but not enough of the rest. The opening 2 tables get a bit stale before
you elevate beyond it, but for a 'now & again' bash of pinball,
it's great fun.
3
/ A
- PB
|
 |
WWF SMACKDOWN
Man, what a laugh. It's all here. All your favourite Rasslers: vicous
tough bastards like Mankind, The Undertaker, The Rock, Paul Bearer,
Kane, Mr. Ass,, even the lovely but deadly Debra, Chyna & Tori. 36 in
all. All the crazy, loony, whacked-out moves and tricks can be learnt
and inflicted upon your opponent (who is fluent in bad acting). A great
feature has you create your own character. Dozens of heads, torsos &
lower-halves can be chosen from. You can also pick their skin tone,
height and weight. Give 'em a name, nickname, place of origin, sex,
the works. Weapons of choice like the ever-popular audience chair, trashcan,
microphone and even an urn can be utilized for maximum effect. So, you
can imagine what combinations of wrestling superstar you can come up
with. A pale skinny man with breasts, a hockey masked black guy who
is 7' tall and totally overweight. Even their logic and personality
can be selected with their fighting style preference. Besides tackling
doing a regular exhibition match or a whole season, you can also
5 / A
- PB
|
